Legal Definitions - hash

Definition: To run a document through an encryption algorithm to secure the contents or to derive a unique number for the document. The result of hashing can be used to verify that the transmitted message has not been altered or to produce a digital signature for the document.

Example: When you create an account on a website, your password is often hashed and stored in the website's database. This means that even if someone gains access to the database, they won't be able to see your actual password. Instead, they will see the hashed version of your password, which is a unique string of characters.

Explanation: In this example, hashing is used to secure the user's password. When the user enters their password, it is run through an encryption algorithm to produce a unique hash. This hash is then stored in the website's database instead of the actual password. When the user logs in, their entered password is hashed again and compared to the stored hash. If the two hashes match, the user is granted access. This way, even if someone gains access to the database, they won't be able to see the user's actual password.